Santo Domingo.- Seven out of 10 Dominicans use of the artificial intelligence (AI) indicates the survey “Global perspectives on the opportunities, risks and expectations of artificial intelligence applied to the local level.
The report presented today by specialists from the United Nations Development Program together with Sigmund Freund, Minister of Public Administration, specifies that the 51.3% of men and 49% of women indicated using digital public services and AI tools to solve various problems.
The study also reveals that 42.9% of young people plan to study careers linked to science, technology, mathematics and artificial intelligence, which could strengthen the development of national capabilities in the future. However, gender gaps persist: 52.7% of men expressed interest in STEM careers, compared to 34.8% of women.
Although he 65.8% Of those surveyed stated that AI has improved their productivity or their studies, women expressed greater concern about the gender biases present in the responses of some applications, pointing out the need to adapt algorithms to local realities and avoid forms of discrimination towards vulnerable groups.
Regarding perceptions about the future of work, 67% of participants believe that some jobs could be replaced by AI, while 73.3% consider that learning more about this technology can open new opportunities. This optimism increases with the educational level, reaching 82% among those with a university education.
The study also addressed the environmental impact of artificial intelligence: 3% of those interviewed understand that it increases water consumption, 31.8% warn of negative effects due to the generation of waste due to the rapid obsolescence of equipment, and 31.5% point out the extraction of rare minerals as a possible risk associated with its development.
Globally, the survey of 1,200 people shows that perceptions about AI vary depending on the level of human development. In countries with a very high Human Development Index, skepticism predominates, while in nations with high human development, such as the Dominican Republic, two thirds of those interviewed express confidence and optimism in the potential of artificial intelligence to improve the quality of life.
The study results provide valuable information about how different segments of the population perceive AI, its benefits and risks.
Although they do not represent the entire population, they offer clues about the opportunities and challenges that the country must address to guarantee an inclusive, ethical and sustainable use of artificial intelligence, always placing people at the center of its development, said Ana Maria Díaz, local representative of the United Nations Development Program.
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